Commercial Warm Air Furnaces

The Department of Energy (DOE) has regulated the energy efficiency level of commercial warm air furnaces since 1994. Commercial warm air furnaces are self-contained oil-fired or gas-fired furnaces that are designed to supply heated air through ducts to spaces that require it. Commercial warm air furnaces are industrial equipment and have a maximum rated input capacity of 225,000 British thermal units (Btu) an hour or more.

DOE has issued a pre-publication Federal Register direct final rule regarding energy conservation standards for small, large, and very large air-cooled commercial package air conditioning, heating equipment, and commercial warm air furnaces. (December 17, 2015). For more information please see the rulemaking webpage.

In addition, as required by law when issuing a direct final
rule, DOE has also issued a pre-publication supplemental notice of proposed
rulemaking (SNOPR). DOE is proposing to amend the energy conservation standards
for both small, large, and very large air-cooled commercial package air
conditioning, heating equipment, and commercial warm air furnaces identical to
those set forth in a direct final rule published elsewhere in this Federal
Register. (December 17, 2015). For more information please see the rulemaking webpage.

Standards for Commercial Warm Air Furnaces

The following content summarizes the energy conservation standards for commercial warm air furnaces. The text is not an official reproduction of the Code of Federal Regulations and should not be used for legal research or citation.

Current Standard

The standard covers gas-fired and oil-fired warm air furnaces that are industrial equipment and that have a capacity (maximum rated input) of 225,000 Btu per hour or more. Commercial warm air furnaces manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291 (16), on or after January 1, 1994, must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 431.77. This information is also available in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.

Amended Test Procedures

DOE published a final rule amending the test procedure for commercial warm air furnaces to incorporate by reference the test procedures specified in Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 727-2006 and ANSI Z21.47-2006. Compliance with the amended test procedure is required on or after May 13, 2013.

Exceptions

State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption

DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the Federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 431 subpart W.

The current energy conservation standards for commercial warm air furnaces are mandated by Part A–1, the "Certain Industrial Equipment" of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended. (42 U.S.C. 6311–6317). This equipment is treated as covered equipment under Part A-1. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(J)).

EPCA sets energy conservation standards for warm air furnaces. (42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(4)) EPCA established Federal energy conservation standards that generally correspond to the levels set in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1.
EPCA directs DOE to amend the existing test procedure for each type of equipment listed each time ASHRAE Standard 90.1 is amended with respect to such equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6314(4)) On October 29, 2010, ASHRAE officially released ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010, in which it amended its test procedure for commercial warm air furnaces. Consequently, on May 16, 2012, the Energy Department amended its commercial warm air furnace test procedure.

Helpful Links and Contact Information

Helpful Links

Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.